Greeting
Thank you for visiting Kimono Workshop Ougiya.
Ougiya was founded in 1898 in Yotsuya, Shinjuku, Tokyo.
In 1936, we relocated to Tsukuda, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, where we focused on shikkai—traditional kimono care—primarily arai-hari (wash-and-reset).
In 2015, we moved our workshop to the Minato area of Chuo-ku, Tokyo, and expanded into comprehensive kimono restoration, including stain removal, dye correction, arai-hari, and related processes.
Today, we receive requests from across Japan and overseas.
Some pieces entrusted to us have been deemed “not repairable” elsewhere. Even in such cases, we assess each item carefully and propose the safest and most appropriate approach.
Our craft advances only through the trust of our clients.
With humility, we continue to study and improve—always aiming to respect the textile, its history, and its long-term stability.
History
- 1898 — Founded in Yotsuya, Shinjuku, Tokyo.
- 1936 — Relocated to Tsukuda, Chuo-ku, Tokyo; focused on shikkai services, primarily arai-hari (wash-and-reset).
- 2015 — Moved the workshop to the Minato area of Chuo-ku, Tokyo; expanded into comprehensive kimono restoration (stain removal, dye correction, arai-hari, and more) as “Kimono Workshop Ougiya.”
Mission
To preserve kimono and textile pieces so they can be passed on to the next generation.
Kimono are not only garments; they hold memories, milestones, and cultural value.
We respect each piece’s history and aim to restore it in a way that protects the fabric while aiming for the best achievable result.
Vision
To remain a workshop that clients in Japan and around the world can trust.
We aim to be a place where clients feel confident entrusting valuable pieces—because we communicate clearly, work carefully, and continue improving our techniques.
Values
- Humility — Remaining respectful to the craft and always continuing to learn
- Continuous improvement — Ongoing research, practice, and skill development
- Client-centered guidance — Listening carefully and proposing realistic restoration goals
- Integrity and transparency — Explaining what is possible, what is difficult, and any risks involved
- Responsible stewardship — Prioritizing the safety of the textile and proper handling of entrusted items
Our Approach to Restoration
Restoration is not about forcing a result.
It is about improving condition while protecting the textile.
Depending on the condition of a piece, we may recommend testing or partial inspection before proceeding.
We prioritize the long-term stability of materials and explain our findings and options so you can make an informed decision.
When appropriate, we document testing and treatment decisions to support clarity and accountability.
Publications and Educational Outreach
We share practical knowledge for kimono care and long-term preservation through educational content.
Our work has also been featured in media and publications.
As one example, we participated in planning and supervising content related to kimono care methods for a special issue associated with the kimono magazine Nanao, including a publication with a DVD supplement.
Reference: “DVD Included: Teshodoki Nanao – Kimono Refreshing ‘Care’ Encyclopedia” (President Inc., published Nov. 19, 2010 / JAN: 9784833471190)
Representative
Takayuki Ieda
Representative, Ougiya Co., Ltd. / Kimono Workshop Ougiya
Textile restorer specializing in kimono
- Certified Skill: First-class Dye Restoration Technician (Japan) (一級染色補正技能士)
- Certified Vocational Training Instructor, Tokyo Metropolitan Government (職業訓練校指導員)
- Lecturer, JICA Training Programs
For institutional inquiries (museums and collections), please include photos and any available documentation of the object’s condition and history.